pillow

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 枕 has 8 strokes and refers to a pillow that supports the head while lying down.
• Basic usage: 枕, a pillow, is read まくら, while 枕元, the area by one's pillow, is read まくらもと.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• An object and a place near the head
  • 枕元 refers to the location near the pillow at the head of a bed.
  • 枕元に置いて describes placing something there, while 枕元に小さな包みがあった describes a small package being there.